(checked 2026-10-10)
A tiny, cheap 2K indoor camera with crisp daytime video that's popular on Amazon. But PCWorld found the motion sensor hair-trigger and night vision middling, a subscription is all but required, and Wirecutter thinks its picks offer a better experience.
Subscription: All but required for regular use (PCWorld): Blink plans $4/mo or $40/yr for one device, $12/mo for unlimited; local storage needs a separately sold Sync Module
Top complaints
- Hair-trigger motion alerts
PCWorld found the motion sensor so sensitive that, even at the lowest setting, it recorded hundreds of clips with no visible motion and still sent notifications.
Source: PCWorld review - Stops working or drops Wi-Fi
Amazon's review summary says reliability and connectivity are mixed, with some owners saying it stops working and doesn't stay connected to Wi-Fi. PCWorld had repeated connection failures during setup on two units.
- Needs a plan; weak infrared
PCWorld says a subscription is all but required for cloud recording, person and vehicle detection, and longer live view. It calls the infrared night vision grainy and dim unless you use the spotlight.
Source: PCWorld review
What owners love
- Crisp daytime video
PCWorld found daytime video crisp and smooth with virtually no distortion. Amazon owners call the video super clear.
- Cheap and compact
PCWorld lists 'very affordable' and 'compact and versatile' as pros.
Source: PCWorld review - Quick setup for most
Amazon owners say it's easy to set up and mount in under 10 minutes.
- You don't want a monthly plan
- The room is dark at night
- You hate false alerts
- Alexa households
- A discreet camera for a shelf or window
- Existing Blink subscribers
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- PCWorld: Still recommended for its higher resolution, but the motion detection is hair-trigger, night vision is middling, and a plan is all but required.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: it records sharp video, but Wirecutter says its picks offer a better user experience or features for similar money. It dismissed the older Blink Mini and Mini 2 for missed motion triggers.